Outdoor Hot Tub Pre-Delivery Guide
This guide will provide you with information you need to know about
the delivery and installation of your new outdoor hot tub.
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new hot tub!
With some advance preparation, delivery of your new hot tub will be a breeze. We've prepared this planning
guide to provide you with the information necessary for you to be ready for your hot tub's delivery. We
recommend reading this guide completely prior to the scheduled delivery of your hot tub. Proper preparation
and care of your new hot tub will give your family years of relaxation and enjoyment.
Important information
Please make a record of the following information. It will be valuable if service is required.
Model: ______________________________________________________________
Serial Number: _______________________________________________________
Date Purchased: _________________________________________________________
Date Installed: ___________________________________________________________
Dealer: The Home Depot________________________________________________
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1. Things to determine before installation
Will my spa be located inside or outside?
How much space do I have available for a hot tub – the size of room, deck, or patio?
What are the measurements of door openings, fence gates or deck stairs for getting your hot tub to its
destination?
Check the dimensions of your hot tub’s length, width, and depth. Will it pass through interior doors or
exterior gates?
Check the weight of your hot tub without water and filled with water. Will your deck, patio, or room floor
support its considerable weight?
Does your home have a dedicated 50 AMP breaker in the house’s main breaker box or will one have to
be added by an electrician?
How far is it from your main breaker box to where your hot tub will be located?
Is there a water source available nearby to fill and drain the hot tub with a garden hose?
Commonly asked questions and answers
Do I need a building permit?
Most cities and counties require permits for exterior construction and electrical circuits. Check with your
county or city to see if a building permit is required for hot tub installation.
Do I need a fence or a gate around my hot tub?
Some communities have codes requiring residential barriers such as fencing and/or self-closing gates
on the property to prevent unsupervised access to a hot tub by children under five years of age.
Consult your local or county building codes to determine the need for a fence or gate.
Do I need a Plumber?
No plumbing is required; your hot tub is entirely self-contained. Fill it using a garden hose; to empty,
siphon with garden hose or submersible pump.
Do I need an Electrician?
Yes, you will need to hire an electrician to install the 240 volt 50 AMP neutrally protected GFCI (Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter) which is sold separately. Your main breaker box will also need to have a 50
AMP breaker. Your hot tub is hard-wired through the floor or side wall of the cabinet, directly into its
control pack. The GFCI is installed next to the hot tub on an exterior wall at least 5 feet from the spa
water. (Exception: The Model 100 and Model 175 come with a 15' GFCI protected cord and plug into
any 120 V / 15 AMP wall outlet.)
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2. Selecting the best location for your hot tub
Indoors or outdoors, it’s up to you. But there are some things you will need to consider when determining your
hot tub’s placement.
Outdoor hot tub placement
Outdoor hot tub placement, such as decks, concrete or brick patios, is common. However, the hot tub can be
placed on any solid, uniform, level surface. Do not place your hot tub on grass or bare ground. If placing your
hot tub on a wooden deck, be sure to consider its weight (filled with water) and the weight bearing capacity of
your deck.
Note: Damage caused by inadequate or improper foundation support is not covered by the
manufacturer's warranty. A hot tub should rest completely flush with its foundation, therefore, do not
endeavor to hand level it. The hot tub should not be shimmed in any way in an effort to level it. This
may crack your hot tub shell or cause other internal damage. It is the responsibility of the owner to
provide a proper foundation for the hot tub. Any attempt to manually level your hot tub will void the
warranty.
A normal, code-compliant (2" x 10" joist) at 16" on center deck is adequate.
The floor load of a hot tub filled with water is around 115 lbs. per square foot. Your base should have at least
125 lbs. per square foot load capacity.
If you are not comfortable with your deck support, have it inspected and add bracing if necessary.
DO NOT place your hot tub directly under or within 12 feet of overhead power, telephone or cable lines.
Make sure the hot tub is positioned so you have full access to the equipment compartments located by the spa
controls. Be sure to leave at least 30" around all sides and back panels for easy service access if needed.
Many people choose to build their hot tub into a deck or patio with custom tile or wood built up to the top of the
hot tub cabinet for a built-in look. When designing your project, remember to allow for service access on all
four sides of your hot tub, or access from beneath. It’s always best to design an installation where the entire
hot tub can be lifted or removed from the deck or patio, if needed.
Weather
If you live in a climate with a cold snowy winter and hot summer, you may want to place your hot tub close to
an exterior door for easy access. A bathroom or changing room located close to your hot tub can also be
convenient. A warmer climate may require shade from the hot sun. Consider placement of your hot tub next to
trees, shrubs, patio cover, under a gazebo or hot tub umbrella.
Privacy
Keep in mind your hot tub's surroundings (trees, shrubs, fences) during all seasons to determine your best
privacy. Consider the view of your neighbors and plan your location accordingly.
View
Think about the direction you will be facing when sitting in your hot tub. Facing the exterior siding of your house
would not be very enjoyable. Place your hot tub where you will be facing a special landscaped area of your
yard or a lovely evening sunset.
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Keep dirt and debris out of your hot tub
Check the location of trees and spill paths from gutters to see if wind or rain will sweep debris into your hot tub.
Prevent dirt and foliage from being tracked into your hot tub by providing a concrete path.
Indoor hot tub placement
For indoor hot tub placement, regular, code-compliant floors or level basement concrete are adequate to
support the weight. Four-season rooms, screened-in rooms, and porches must be checked for adequate floor
support.
Indoor installation requires adequate ventilation. When the cover is off and the hot tub is in use, considerable
amounts of humidity and moisture are put into the air. This moisture can damage, walls, ceilings, carpeting,
draperies and furniture. You will need to install a ventilation exhaust fan either above the hot tub in the ceiling
or in a side wall or window, next to and above the spa water. We also recommend a humidistat that will
automatically turn on the exhaust fan when moisture is present.
Exhaust fans are rated by CFMs (cubic feet per minute). The fan must be powerful enough to remove all the air
in the room in 3 minutes. To determine what size fan you will need, measure the room’s length x width x height
and divide by 3 = CFMs. Example: 20' x 10' x 8' = 1600 cubic ft. / 3 = 533 CFMs. You would need at least a
533 CFM fan for this room.
We do not recommend placing your hot tub directly on household carpet or a wood floor. We recommend
placing your hot tub on a ceramic tile or water resistant floor material. Extend this water resistant material at
least 2 feet around the hot tub, in case of over splash and to catch water from bathers exiting the hot tub.
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3. Plan a good foundation for your hot tub
Your hot tub needs a solid, level foundation. The area that your hot tub sits on must be able to support the
weight of the hot tub, the water in it, and those who use it. If the foundation is inadequate, it may shift or settle
after the hot tub is in place, causing stress to its shell.
Note: Damage caused by inadequate or improper foundation support is not covered by the
manufacturer's warranty. A hot tub should rest completely flush with its foundation; therefore, do not
endeavor to hand level your hot tub. The spa should not be shimmed in any way in an effort to level it.
This may crack the shell or cause other internal damage. It is the responsibility of the hot tub owner to
provide a proper foundation for the hot tub. Any attempt to manually level your hot tub will void the
warranty.
A hot tub filled with water is very heavy. Existing decks and concrete patios must be inspected by a licensed
contractor to determine adequate support. Your base must have a minimum of 125 pounds per sq. ft. load
bearing capacity. Add additional bracing if necessary.
Place the hot tub on an elevated foundation so that water drains away from it. Proper drainage will keep
components protected from rain and wet weather.
New concrete patios must be a 4" minimum depth with reinforced wire placed in the concrete.
New wood decks should have (2 x 10) floor joists and (4 x 4) or (6 x 6) post depending on deck height. Consult
a structural engineer or contractor to ensure the proper support for the height and size of your deck.
We do not recommend placing your hot tub on a brick, stone, or gravel base.
DO NOT place your hot tub on bare ground!
4. Plan the delivery of your hot tub
Check the dimensions of your spa
The Specification chart on page 13 lists your spa model and its dimensions. Compare the dimensions to the
width of gates, sidewalks, and doorways along the delivery route used to bring the hot tub into your yard. It
may be necessary for you to remove a gate or partially remove a fence in order to provide an unobstructed
passageway to the installation location.
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How will your spa be delivered to you?
Curbside Delivery
Your hot tub will be delivered by common carrier or freight truck to your home curbside. Your hot tub will ship in
21 business days and usually arrives within 10 business days after it ships. An independent delivery carrier will
unload the hot tub from the truck, but is NOT authorized to unwrap, set up, or do installation. The driver will
not move your hot tub to the backyard or place it inside your home.
Plan your hot tub route
Use the diagram to plan your route. Consider the following when planning your hot tub route:
Check the width of gates (#1), doors, steps (#2) and sidewalks to make sure your hot tub will pass through
unobstructed. You may have to remove a gate or part of a fence to allow for adequate width clearance.
If the route will require a 90° turn, check the measurements at the turn (#3) to ensure the hot tub will fit.
Are there protruding gas meters, water meters or A/C units on your home which will be an obstruction along
the path to your yard?
Are there low roof eaves, overhanging branches (#4) or rain gutters that could be an obstruction to overhead
clearance? Are there more than six (6) consecutive stairs without a landing in your route?
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5. Electrical requirements before hot tub delivery
IMPORTANT
When installed in the United States, the electrical wiring of this hot tub must meet the requirements of
the National Electric Code (NEC) and any applicable state or local codes. The electrical circuit must be
installed by an electrical contractor and approved by a local building/electrical inspector.
Electrical setup before delivery of your hot tub
1. All 240V spas must be permanently connected (hardwired) to the power supply. Supplying power to the spa
which is not in accordance with these instructions will void both the independent testing agencies’ listing and
the manufacturer's warranty.
2. The power supplied to the hot tub must be a dedicated circuit with no other appliances or lights sharing the
power.
3. To determine the current, voltage and wire size required for the hot tub configuration to be connected:
Wire size must be appropriate per NEC and/or local codes.
Wire size is determined by length of run from breaker box to hot tub and maximum current draw.
We recommend copper wire with THHN insulation.
All wiring must be copper to ensure adequate connections. Do not use aluminum wire.
When using wire larger then #6 (10mm2), add a junction box near the hot tub and reduce to short
lengths of #6 (10mm2) wire between the junction box and the hot tub.
4. The electrical supply for the hot tub must include a suitable rated switch or circuit breaker to open all
ungrounded supply conductors to comply with Section 422-20 of the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
5. The electrical circuit for the spa must include a suitable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) as required by
NEC Article 680-42. We recommend a Neutrally Protected (GFCI) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter; see the
illustration on the following page for the proper wiring for your hot tub’s GFCI. The disconnecting means must
be readily accessible to the spa's occupant but installed at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from the spa water. Check with
local municipalities for additional code requirements.
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6. GFCI wiring diagram
This diagram shows a "Three Wire Plus Ground" installation. It has a load Neutral connection, commonly
required for hot tubs containing both 120 and 240 volt equipment. They need the load neutral connection to
produce the 120 volt.
Siemens GFCI Breaker Box
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7. Electrical installation of hot tub after delivery
(for use by licensed electricians only)
Important Safety notice for all models!
Proper grounding is extremely important. Homeowner should not wire 240 volt spas. Improper wiring will void
spa pack warranty.
1. To gain access to the hot tub's control box, remove the cabinet panel on the front of the hot tub, under
its topside control. After removing the cabinet panel, remove the two control box cover screws and
cover.
2. Select the power wire inlet through the hot tub cabinet you want to use. (Either drill a hole through the
cabinet or run wire in conduit through the base of the hot tub.) Then feed the power cable through it to
the left side of the control box.
3. Install power cable through the 1 3/8" circular hole on the left-side of the control box.
4. Connect wires, color to color, into the terminal openings and tighten securely.
5. Secure the control box door by installing its screws, and then reinstall the cabinet panel under the
topside control. Electrical installation is now complete.
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8. Wiring placement underneath hot tub
HOT TUB WIRING PLACEMENT
through base of hot tub
THIS VIEW IS THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE HOT TUB.
NOTES
BOARD 1
Will always be 24” wide from the front of the hot tub.
BOARD 2
Will always be 8” wide centered on the center of the hot tub.
BOARD 3
Will always be 16” wide from the back side of the hot tub.
Do not put wires up through the footwell or hot tub pack area.
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9. Wiring schematic
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10. Hot tub model specifications
Name
Model #
Internet
Catalog #
Description
Outside Dimensions
Gallons
Weight
(in pounds)
Dry
Filled
Capri
100AB
100632869
2 Person, 8 Jet Spa including
Lockable Cover, 3/4 HP Pump
91"l x 42"w x 29"d
190
214
1734
120v / 15amp
Riviera
130SM
202059731
Riveria Silver Marble 3 Person 12
Jet Plug N' Play Spa with
Lockable Flex Cover. Plugs into
any 120 Volt/ 15 Amp Outlet
88"l x 50"w x 29.5"d
275
300
2500
120v / 15amp
Malta
175BD
100633057
Blue Denim 4 Person 10 Jet Spa
including Lockable Cover
80.5"l x 56.5"w x 30"d
240
309
2229
120v / 15amp
Gibraltar
270BD
100662601
Blue Denim 6 Person 30 Jet
Lounger Spa
82"l x 79"w x 36"d
400
563
3563
240v / 50amp
Gibraltar
270SM
100662602
Silver Marble 6 Person 30 Jet
Lounger Spa
82"l x 79"w x 36"d
400
563
3563
240v / 50amp
Cypress
390SM
100657735
Cypress Silver Marble 8 Person
40 Jet Spa with 4 HP Pump,
Dura-Frame Cabinet and
Insulated, Lockable Hard Cover
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
563
4363
240v / 50amp
Cypress
390BD
100633058
Cypress Blue Denim 8 Person 40
Jet Spa with 4 HP Pump, DuraFrame Cabinet and Insulated,
Lockable Hard Cover
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
563
4363
240v / 50amp
Crete
390BD
100633062
Blue Denim 8 Person, 40 Jet Spa
including WOW Sound Stereo
System and Lockable Hard Cover
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
563
4363
240v / 50amp
Crete
390SM
100657736
Silver Marble 8 Person, 40 Jet
Spa including WOW Sound
Stereo System and Lockable
Hard Cover
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
563
4363
240v / 50amp
Palmero
394SM
202059735
Silver Marble, 7 Person, 47 Jet,
Dual Pump Spa With Wrap
Around Lounger and Insulated,
Lockable Hard Cover
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
570
4363
240v / 50amp
Palmero
394BD
202059733
Blue Denim, 7 Person, 47 Jet,
Dual Pump Spa With Wrap
Around Lounger and Insulated,
Lockable Hard Cover
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
570
4363
240v / 50amp
Corsica
395BD
100633059
Blue Denim 8 Person, 60 Jet, 2
Pump Spa including WOW Sound
Stereo System and LED Light
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
563
4363
240v / 50amp
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Power
(voltage/amp)
Name
Model #
Internet
Catalog #
Description
Outside Dimensions
Gallons
Weight
(in pounds)
Dry
Filled
Corsica
395WM
100657733
White Marble 8 Person, 60 Jet, 2
Pump Spa including WOW Sound
Stereo System and LED Light
82"l x 82"w x 36"d
475
563
4363
240v / 50amp
Valencia
396BD
202059739
Valencia Blue Denim 8 Person,
70 Jet, Dual Pump, NonLounging Spa with Pulse
Massage, LED Light and
Waterfall
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Valencia
396SM
202059737
Valencia Silver Marble 8 Person,
70 Jet, Dual Pump, NonLounging Spa with Pulse
Massage, LED Light and
Waterfall
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Monaco
397BD
202059743
Monaco Blue Denim 8 Person, 70
Jet, Dual Pump, Non- Lounging
Spa with Pulse Massage, LED
Light, Waterfall and Stereo
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Monaco
397SM
202059743
Monaco Silver Marble 8 Person,
70 Jet, Dual Pump, NonLounging Spa with Pulse
Massage, LED Light, Waterfall
and Stereo
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Venice
370BD
100633061
Blue Denim 8 Person, 90 Jet, 3
Pump Spa
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Venice
370WM
100657734
White Sierra 8 Person, 90 Jet, 3
Pump Spa
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Morocco
370BD
100633060
Blue Denim 8 Person, 90 Jet 3
Pump Spa Includes WOW Sound
Stereo System
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Morocco
370WM
100657732
White Marble 8 Person, 90 Jet, 3
Pump Spa Includes WOW Sound
Stereo System
87"l x 87"w x 36"d
550
681
5081
240v / 50amp
Power
(voltage/amp)
SpaPreDeliveryGuide March 2010
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